Statement of Luke Metzger, Environment Texas, on Senate Cloture Vote
Yesterday, U.S. House of Representatives
passed a 21st Century energy bill that would harness American ingenuity and put
us on a path to cleaner, smarter new energy future. This bill is a breakthrough on energy policy
and would set the country firmly on a path to increasing clean energy, lowering
energy demand, and reducing U.S. dependence on oil.
Unfortunately, this morning, a
minority of Senators, led by coal and Big Oil supporters blocked forward
progress on energy and bill failed to reach the 60 vote hurdle. Senators who blocked this bill delivered an
early Christmas present to big oil and dirty coal and put a lump of coal in the
stockings of the American people.
Americans should not tolerate
leaders who are defending the status quo on energy. At a time when oil prices are at more than
$90 /barrel, the public deserves a 21st century clean, green energy
policy that saves money at the gas pump and on energy bills.
We are particularly disappointed that
despite overwhelming public support for renewable energy and demand for cars
that get better gas mileage, that the Senate has missed this opportunity to
enact a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) and strengthen fuel economy
standards. Both of these policies would substantially reduce global warming
pollution while saving consumers money.
We hope the Senate will act again
quickly
(which they could do as early
as Tuesday) to pass these critical energy policies and
deliver a bright green holiday to America.
###
Environment Texas is a statewide, non-profit
citizen-based environmental advocacy
group.
Voting FOR the clean energy bill: Reps. Green (Al),
Hinojosa, Reyes, Edwards, Jackson Lee, Gonzalez, Rodriguez, Doggett, Cuellar,
Johnson (Eddie Bernice)
Voting AGAINST the clean energy bill: Sen. Cornyn
and Reps. Gohmert, Poe, Johnson (Sam), Hall, Hensarling, Barton, Culberson,
Brady, McCaul, Conaway, Thornberry, Paul, Neugebauer, Smith, Lampson, Marchant,
Burgess, Green (Gene), Carter, Sessions
Sen. Hutchison and Reps. Granger and Ortiz did not
vote.
